Smart meters are being rolled out throughout the UK, with all households currently due to have them installed by June 2025. But if you want to save money now, you can speed up the process by switching to a supplier who supports them.
Which energy suppliers use smart meters?
As part of the national rollout, eventually all suppliers will offer smart meters. This’ll happen automatically by June 2025, but if you’d like one sooner you can contact your supplier. Specifically, you could switch to a tariff that requires a smart meter and this’ll speed up the installation process; otherwise you’ll need to wait until the rollout happens in your area.
As it stands, the following suppliers are installing smart meters: British Gas, Bristol Energy, Bulb, Co-operative Energy, Ecotricity, EDF Energy, E.ON, Green Network Energy, Igloo Energy, Lumo, Nabuh Energy, NPower, Octopus Energy, OVO Energy, Pure Planet, Scottish Power, Shell Energy, Simplicity, Spark Energy, SSE, Tonik Energy, Utilita, Utility Warehouse.
When will I get a smart meter?
Whichever energy supplier you’re with, the smart meter application process is generally the same. First, contact your provider to see whether you’re eligible to switch meters now. If installations aren’t currently available in your area, you can register your interest and be placed on a waiting list; you’ll then be contacted as soon as installations open up. Alternatively, you can switch suppliers.
Let’s take a look at the Big Six energy suppliers and where they’re at with the smart meter rollout. Be aware that installation waiting times may differ due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
British Gas – to be eligible for a smart meter from British Gas, you’ll need to either have your electricity or both your electricity and gas plans with them. Which meter you get depends on where you live and, if you’re eligible, you’ll usually get one within two weeks.
EDF – EDF have started rolling out SMETS2 meters in a few areas of the UK. If you’re an EDF customer, you can register to have a meter installed when they become available in your area.
E.ON – E.ON are in the process of rolling out SMETS2 meters in some areas. Contact them to be placed on the waiting list; E.ON will try to arrange installation within 28 days if you’re eligible.
Npower – Npower are in the process of rolling out SMETS2 meters. They’ll offer you an installation date about three weeks beforehand, otherwise you can register your interest.
Scottish Power – are rolling out smart meters on a wider scale, specifically only installing SMETS2 meters from now on. You can request one and normally they’ll arrange installation within two weeks.
SSE – SSE are only installing SMETS2 meters from now on as part of a regional rollout.
Can I switch suppliers if I already have a smart meter?
Now, all smart meters – including first generation models – should be hooked up to Data Communications Company (DCC). This is the infrastructure that links all smart meters to energy providers. That means that switching suppliers with a smart meter should cause you no issues as long as you compare energy plans from providers who support them.
While smart meters are more efficient overall, running an energy comparison is still the most effective way to be sure you get cheap energy, so use our tool find which companies offer the best tariffs in your area.